7 Bucket List Bike Destinations

Napa & Sonoma Valleys

5 / 7

Perhaps because pasta, the cornerstone of the cycling diet, virtually demands to be enjoyed with wine, these adjacent wine-country regions in northern California have become synonymous with good riding—so much so that if you live in the US you might be surprised at how popular our native vineyards have become with foreign cyclists. Napa and Sonoma are not merely local favorites; they’re legitimate international must-rides. The varied terrain can satisfy everyone from the flat-seeking novice to the hard-core hammerhead. The roads are lightly traveled. The cuisine maintains its gourmet appeal while ranging in price from cheap basics to outrageously expensive feasts. And there’s a wine tasting, it seems, on every mile.

Best Time To Go: Anytime—that’s the beauty of it.
It’s Most Fun If You’re This Fit: With the variety of terrain available, readiness to eat and drink is more important than cycling preparedness. Climbs such as Spring Mountain, Skagg’s Springs and Oakville Grade will turn sinewy steel bands of muscle into tapioca. West Dry Creek Road, River Road and Silverado Trail are relaxing rambles.